Qualitative Research Analysis - Assignment Example

Qualitative Research Analysis Introduction According to Attride-Stirling (2001), thematic networks areeffective analytic tools, which enables in identification of features that are necessary in qualitative analysis. To conduct an analysis of qualitative research, inductive or deductive analysis may be used. The analysis adopted in this case is inductive analysis. This is because the findings of the interview conducted are analyzed in a “bottom up” manner in order to arrive at the basic theory behind the research conducted. Deductive analysis was ruled out for this analysis since deductive analysis involves testing of hypothesis and it is a “top down” approach, which was found not suitable for the analysis of data in this research. On the other hand, inductive analysis created an opportunity for using all the obtained data in order to develop a concrete theory on the research conducted. Identification of Codes and Themes Table 1: Identification of codes and themes Codes Issues Discussed Themes Identified Thought Average Rating of education standards of a university Admission criteria of university students The score range of university students The standards of education are average Performance Standards Individual performance in a university University standards Role of university administration Students and university administration have a role to play in setting standards of a university Quality Believe University quality of education Self evaluation Role of a student towards attainment of quality in the university Individual performance and university quality It is complex to determine if one contributes towards quality of education in a university Government Education system Job Employers The role of the government in providing jobs for university graduates The link between education system and job market Hardships of acquiring a job Employers interest on new potential employees Link between education and job The government and education system influences chances of one to secure a job Attachment Experience Government and internship opportunities Employers requirement of graduates experience Problems in securing attachment opportunities for students can only be solved by the government Table 2: From identified themes to organizing themes to global themes Identified Themes Organizing Themes Global Themes The standards of education are average Education standards Students and university administration have a role to play in setting standards of a university Education is vital It is complex to determine if one contributes towards quality of education in a university Education quality The government and education system influences chances of one to secure a job Securing a job Jobs are limited Problems in securing attachment opportunities for students can only be solved by the government The standards of education are average Students and university administration have a role to play in setting standards of a university It is complex to determine if one contributes towards quality of education in a university Figure 1: Thematic network for education is vital The Global Theme Education is vital This global theme (see figure 1) was identified through two organizing themes, which are education standards and education quality as indicated in table [2]. The interview conducted revealed that education standards are reliant on the ability of university administration to promote higher performance, in education, as well as students input in the process of education. Key issues, which featured here, were university administrators and students. As such, students have to ensure that they improve their individual performance levels to lead to attainment of better standards in a university. This is necessary since the admission process of students in the university is diversified such that students are admitted from low grade scorers to higher grade scorers. However, both students and university administration have to collaborate in order to ensure that university standards are improved. One of the student’s responses in support of this was; Student: The performance of the university is determined by individual performance of all students. However, I can argue that the standard of the university is a collaboration of both the administration and the students. The quality of education, which is attained in a university, is also reliant on students’ performance. However, it is complex for one to determine whether one contributes towards attainment of quality standards in a university. This is because universities tend to associate quality with students performance. On the same note, university quality has a significant influence on the ability of a graduate to secure a job. This is so since some graduates attain higher grades, but the perception of employers on the quality of education where such graduates were trained influences the ability of such graduates to be given a chance in an organization or corporation. This makes several university graduates to be locked out of the job environment by employers. Nevertheless, the quality of a university may influence the overall performance of an individual. This may develop depending on the perception of an individual towards the quality of education in a university. The government and education System influences chances of one to secure a job Problems in securing attachment opportunities for students can only be solved by the government Figure 2: Thematic network for jobs are limited Jobs are limited was the second global theme, which was identified from the interview conducted (see figure 2). This theme was evidenced under the organization theme of securing a job. In securing a job, it was revealed that employers will never give a chance to any graduate who has no experience in the field of training. However, what was exhibited from this theme is that graduates constantly find it complex to gain experience. This occurs since graduates fail to access attachment opportunities, which are believed to be the main factors, which would enable graduates to acquire experience. This leaves students with a query, who should get them attachment opportunities? Government or the universities? The interview also revealed that the government and education system dictates significantly the chances of a graduate to secure a job. This is because these two institutions dictate the knowledge that one acquires, as well as how such knowledge is implemented effectively. The education system and the government should also ensure that students are able to secure attachments, which enable them to gain relevant skills that employers looks for. This calls for the integration of employers in the overall process of students learning in order to ensure that employer needs of competency levels are articulated in the education system. This will ensure that graduates have an opportunity of securing attachments, as well as jobs easily. One of the student’s responses in support of this was; Student: I would urge the government to consider offering attachment opportunities for graduates in order to equip them with an experience that is demanded by these employers. Thematic Network Summary Education standards and quality were central in comprehending the necessity of education in society. Both education standards and quality are derived from the ability of an individual to improve on performance, as well as the role of education institutions to focus on attaining success. However, university administrators have a greater role in attainment of success in the education sector than any other stakeholder. Experience featured in the ability of individuals to secure job opportunities among employers. This is because employers believe that the job market is competitive and labor is a scarce resource, which needs effective utilization. As such, securing a job opportunity demands one to have adequate experience. Interpreting Networks The two thematic networks, which are developed in this analysis indicates that there is no direct link between education and job opportunities. As such, several factors limit the attainment of this link. These factors include experience, education quality and standards, students’ performance, and employers’ perceptions among others. Reference Attride-Stirling, J. (2001). Thematic Networks: An Analytic Tool for Qualitative Research. Retrieved from: http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~kmacd/IDSC10/Readings/Readings/text%20analysis/themes.pdf Read More